Participation in Outdoor Activities Continues to Increase, Road Trips Preferred Summer Travel Method, According to Winnebago Industries Insights
May 26 2023 - 2:01PM
As Americans make summer travel and recreation plans, they are
increasingly looking to the outdoors and road trips to improve
mental well-being and to combat the rising costs of flights,
lodging and car rentals according to a new consumer survey from
Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE: WGO), a leading outdoor lifestyle
product manufacturer. The company today released insights from its
third annual spotlight survey that looks at outdoor industry trends
and consumer behavior.
Outdoor Participation Continues to Increase in
2023
In 2022, 82% of Americans indicated that they participated in
outdoor activities such as camping and hiking at a location away
from their home, boating or visiting a state or national park. This
is an increase from 60% in 2020 and 79% in 2021.
This trend will continue into 2023, as 97% of Americans said
they plan to enjoy outdoor activities this upcoming year, an
increase from 95% last year. According to the survey, younger
Americans are leading this growth as Gen Z were more likely to
increase their activity in 2023 compared to Gen X and Baby
Boomers.
Participation drivers for Americans getting outdoors is linked
to their mental and physical well-being:
- 52% of respondents said they will
increase their outdoor activity to reduce stress, up 3% from 49% in
2022.
- 47% of respondents said they will
increase their outdoor activity to improve health and well-being, a
7% increase from 42% in 2022.
Additionally, 26% of respondents believe they will increase
their outdoor activity to reduce expenses and save money, a 9%
increase from 17% in 2022.
“It’s clear that interest in activities like camping, boating
and hiking continue to rise as more people become exposed to them
and experience the benefits of spending more time outside,”
said Michael Happe, president and CEO of Winnebago
Industries. “The outdoors is a place to find health and
happiness and to create cherished memories with family and friends.
We see a certain ‘stickiness’ to those experiences from people of
all ages and demographics which is encouraging to the future of the
outdoor recreation industry.”
The Summer of RV Travel
According to the survey, the great American road trip has never
been more appealing as inflation drives up the costs of airline
tickets, rental cars and hotels.
- Almost two-thirds (63%) of
respondents have considered using an RV for a vacation rather than
traveling by plane.
- Over two-thirds (70%) of respondents
have considered using an RV for travel instead of a flight, hotel
and rental car.
- In 2023, 19% of respondents
indicated they will use an RV for their summer vacation
transportation. This increased 6 points from 2022 (13%).
The rising cost and hassles of airline travel have increased RV
interest as consumers consider other ways to enjoy a vacation in
the outdoors. Over half (55%) of respondents indicated the cost of
airline tickets has decreased their desire to travel by plane this
summer. Other reasons for decreased plane travel include flight
cancellations, busy airports, hidden fees, and long security
lines.
Shorter driving distances remained the popular vacation choice
with 49% of respondents saying they will drive less than 200
miles.
“Hitting the road in an RV for a summer vacation is a timeless
American tradition,” said Amber Holm, chief marketing
officer for Winnebago Industries. “We are seeing that
vacationers are opting to travel shorter distances via roads rather
than by plane as they look to find the freedom, connection and
personal growth opportunities the outdoors can provide.”
For more than 65 years, Winnebago Industries has been connecting
people with the outdoors, one great adventure at a time. Last
November, Winnebago Industries announced a new, concerted effort in
sharing its insights into the health of the outdoor recreation
industry. This latest report is part of an annual release which
includes data on summer travel plans.
Surveys were taken in May 2023 with 1,009 general population
adults (18+ years old).
About Winnebago Industries
Winnebago Industries, Inc. is a leading North American
manufacturer of outdoor lifestyle products under the Winnebago,
Grand Design, Chris-Craft, Newmar and Barletta brands, which are
used primarily in leisure travel and outdoor recreation activities.
The company builds quality motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth-wheel
products, outboard and sterndrive powerboats and commercial
community outreach vehicles. Winnebago Industries has multiple
facilities in Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota and Florida. The Company’s
common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and traded
under the symbol WGO. For access to Winnebago Industries' investor
relations material or to add your name to an automatic email list
for Company news releases, visit http://investor.wgo.net.
Contact: Daniel Sullivan |
Media@Winnebagoind.com
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